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The police said five people were hospitalised after an arson attack on the Indian Aroma restaurant in Ilford of east London, on Friday night. Two people are in custody.
The Indian Aroma restaurant was reportedly a target of a suspected arson attack. (Photo: X)
Two suspects, including a 15-year-old boy and a 54-year-old man, were arrested over an alleged arson attack on an Indian restaurant in east London that left five people with serious injuries, according to local reports.
The Metropolitan Police said officers were called to the Indian Aroma restaurant in Woodford Avenue, Gants Hill, in Ilford on Friday night at around 9 pm, after the eatery went up in flames. Five people were rescued from the fire, of whom two suffered life-threatening injuries, police said.
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The teenager and the man were arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life on Sunday. They are currently in police custody for questioning, according to The Independent.
CCTV footage of the incident, seen by the UK-based PA news agency, appeared to show a group of people with their faces covered walking into the restaurant before pouring liquid onto the floor. Seconds later, the restaurant was engulfed in flames.
Indian Community ‘Shocked’
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said around nine people were able to escape the restaurant before firefighters arrived. “Part of the ground floor restaurant was damaged by fire. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus rescued five people from the restaurant.”
Meanwhile, police are looking for two more victims who they believe made off before officers arrived. They said the investigation was continuing “at pace” and appealed for anyone with further information to come forward.
“While we have made two arrests, our investigation continues at pace so we can piece together what happened on Friday evening,” said Detective Chief Inspector Mark Rogers of the Metropolitan Police’s Central Specialist Crime North unit. “I know the community are concerned and shocked by this incident. I would urge anyone with any information or concerns to come forward and speak to police.”
The restaurant, managed by Rohit Kaluvala, describes itself as being dedicated to serving the “authentic flavours of India”. The eatery’s website says it hosts movie executives, film and television crews, religious and cultural events, charity and business events, and religious and cultural events.
“Our restaurant is highly known for both its first-rate customer service and its high-quality, distinctive Indian cuisine served with its authentic recipes,” it read.
About the Author
Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master’s in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international…Read More
Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master’s in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international… Read More
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